Fire officials join GHMC in clearing waterlogged places

Hyderabad: Water stagnation points are turning critical across the twin cities, to the extent that, besides the Greater Hyderabad Municipality staff, the traffic police and the fire services are being roped in to lend a hand to clear the stagnation points, especially at major junctions like Model House-Khairatabad, RTC crossroads, Raj Bhavan road, Ayyappa Society, Lake View and Lower Tank Bund.

The fire department, with a staff strength of 1,500, has taken up the job to clear critical points only in the monsoons, as more hands are needed.

The teams that reach these critical water logging points are dedicated to the concerned area fire station, said a fire department official.

The city has 16 fire stations. The fire department has been doing its bit for disaster management issues like waterlogging, collapse of buildings and floods.

These rescue teams are trained to use the equipment and are provided with various equipment like portable pumps, deep water pumps and nylon ropes. In order to provide better and quick rescue services to those who need them, each fire station in the city has been provided with two motor vehicles.  

Mr V. Papaiah, regional fire officer, said, “We are improving our services day in and day out, trying to provide the best and quick services to the people as their lives are our first priority”.

Every Friday there is an awareness programme being conducted by the fire department in rural areas to spread awareness about how to manage sudden fires and quick rescues.  

Mr M. Srinivas Reddy, Hyderabad district fire officer, said, “We are always ready to help people, and tackle any kind of situation.”